Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brenda Gilliam-Miller. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Brenda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
Losing a loved one is an indescribable pain, and the desire to honor their memory often leads to remarkable endeavors. My story of creating a Scholarship Fund in memory of my daughter, Destiny, is truly inspiring. Let me paint the picture for you:
Destiny’s Legacy: A Scholarship Fund with Heart
It was a time of profound grief, a moment when the world seemed to stop. Destiny, my daughter, had been taken from me by gun violence. But amidst the darkness, a spark ignited—an unwavering determination to celebrate her life, her spirit, and her potential. Destiny wasn’t just a victim; she was a caring, selfless, and compassionate soul who deserved to be remembered for all that she was.
The Emotional Journey
As I grappled with my loss, memories of Destiny flooded my mind—the way she smiled, her kindness, and the dreams she held. Destiny’s unfulfilled path weighed heavily on my heart. She never had the chance to complete her education, to explore her passions, and to shape her own destiny. I knew that honoring her memory meant more than just mourning her loss; it meant celebrating her life and ensuring that her legacy lived on.
The Idea Takes Shape
In the quiet moments, as I sat with my grief, the idea began to form. Destiny’s destiny—what better way to honor her than by helping others fulfill their own destinies? The Scholarship Fund was born from this powerful realization. It would be a beacon of hope, a bridge to opportunity for those who, like Destiny, had dreams waiting to be realized.
The Logic Behind It
I researched tirelessly, understanding the intricacies of creating a nonprofit organization. The Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship Fund would not only commemorate Destiny but also empower others. It was more than a financial aid program; it was a chance for deserving students to pursue education, to break barriers, and to shape their futures. I knew that this endeavor would make a difference—one scholarship at a time.
The Ripple Effect
And so, the Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship Fund came to life. Scholarships were awarded, dreams were ignited, and Destiny’s legacy began to touch lives far beyond my own. But I didn’t stop there. Back-to-school drives became a way to provide essentials for children in shelters and foster care. The Christmas Drive, too, brought joy to children who needed it most. Destiny’s spirit of giving lived on through these initiatives.
Why It Worked?
What made this endeavor worthwhile? It was the fusion of love, purpose, and practical action. Destiny’s memory wasn’t confined to sorrow; it blossomed into hope. The Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship Fund wasn’t just about money; it was about investing in futures. And the unique approach? It was the heart—the unwavering belief that every life mattered, every dream deserved nurturing.
My journey—from grief to empowerment—is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Destiny’s legacy lives on, not just as a victim, but as a force for good. Thank you for sharing this powerful story, and may the Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship Fund continue to light paths and fulfill destinies in her honor.
Brenda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Who Am I?
I am a storyteller, a dream-weaver, and a legacy builder. My life’s canvas is painted with colors of resilience, loss, and hope. Let me share my tale—a tapestry woven from heartache and determination.
Origins: From Osan to the World
Born in Osan, South Korea, my journey began. At the tender age of 2, destiny intervened—I was adopted by an American couple. Our family, a military one, crisscrossed continents. Each new place brought fresh perspectives, cultures, and stories. The world became my classroom, and curiosity my compass.
The Shadows of Loss
Life’s fragility hit hard. My firstborn, my son, slipped away silently due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The void was immeasurable, the grief relentless. Depression threatened to engulf me. But I knew—I had to find a way out, a path toward light.
Destiny’s Call
In the depths of sorrow, an idea bloomed. Destiny deserved more than tears; she deserved a legacy. Thus, the Scholarship Fund emerged—a tribute to her unfulfilled destiny. But it wasn’t just about scholarships; it was about igniting futures, one student at a time.
Beyond Scholarships: Impact Amplified
1. Back-to-School Drives: Backpacks, pencils, and hope. Children in shelters and foster care felt seen.
2. Christmas Drive: Gifts wrapped in love. Foster kids unwrapped joy.
What Sets Me Apart?
- Heart-Driven: Destiny’s memory fuels every endeavor. It’s not business; it’s a calling.
- Holistic Impact: Scholarships open doors, but empathy nurtures souls.
- Community Threads: We’re not an island; we’re woven into lives, dreams, and neighborhoods.
I’m proud of the scholars who now chase their dreams—their victories echo Destiny’s laughter. To potential supporters, donors and followers:
- Join the Ripple: Destiny lives on, not as tragedy, but as hope realized.
- Be Part of the Story: Together, we shape destinies.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
From Reward to Legacy: Our Destiny Our Future Foundation
In the aftermath of Destiny’s tragic homicide, the Silent Witness Reward swiftly came into existence. Initially set at $1,000, its purpose was to encourage those with information to step forward. But Destiny’s memory deserved more than a mere transactional reward; it deserved a lasting legacy.
As a family, we raised an additional $5,000. However, each year, the reward required renewal through Silent Witness. Instead of perpetuating this cycle, we opted for transformation. We took that capital and gave birth to the Our Destiny Our Future Foundation.
Within this foundation, we receive funding from corporate donors, public donors, grants, and fundraising events. Our purpose shifted from mere justice to investing in futures. The Foundation blossomed, its petals reaching toward the sky. Back-to-school drives, Christmas gifts—they weren’t mere acts; they were brushstrokes on Destiny’s canvas.
Moreover, the Chief who heads the Silent Witness Program was profoundly moved by Destiny’s case. In recognition of her impact, they decided to increase the initial reward for homicide to $2,000 instead of the previous $1,000 going forward. Destiny’s legacy continues to inspire change and compassion in our community.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
I have ventured into creating various products:
Crafting Hope: From Idea to Reality
The Genesis
When Destiny’s tragic story touched hearts, the Silent Witness Reward was swiftly established. Initially set at $1,000, it aimed to encourage those with information to step forward. Destiny’s memory deserved more than a transactional reward—it deserved a legacy.
Taking Matters into My Own Hands
However, relying on external vendors for our apparel proved challenging. Delays, missing shirts—it wasn’t reliable. So, I decided to become a DIY mom, as my daughter Essence pointed out to me. I purchased a heat press and started making our own T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts. Destiny’s name adorned each one, not just as fabric, but as purpose.
Venturing Beyond Apparel: Memory Boxes and Decorative Mason Jar Glasses
But my creative journey didn’t stop there. I explored crafting memory boxes—containers that hold fragments of stories, whispers of laughter, and echoes of love. Each item within—a handwritten note, a dried flower, a cherished photograph becomes a brushstroke on Destiny’s canvas.
And then, decorative mason jar glasses beckoned. I infused them with meaning, turning each jar into a vessel of hope. Destiny’s legacy danced in every flicker of light through those jars.
The Scent of Purpose: Handmade Scented Candles
And finally, scented candles called out. Fragrance became our language. Each candle sold wasn’t just wax; it was a whisper of light. Destiny’s memory flickered in the flames.
Crafting Revenue for Impact
Our products weren’t mere merchandise; they were revenue streams. Every candle sold, every T-shirt worn—we channeled those funds back into our initiatives. It wasn’t profit; it was purpose.
What Sets Us Apart?
- Heartfelt Craftsmanship: Each stitch, each pour—we poured love into every product.
- Storywoven: Our products weren’t just items; they carried Destiny’s story.
- Community Threads: We’re not just a brand; we’re woven into lives, dreams, and neighborhoods.
Aspirations
Our journey continues. We learn, adapt, and create. Destiny’s legacy lives on, not just in our hearts, but in every crafted piece. Join us—wear hope, light a candle, and be part of the tapestry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ourdestinyourfuturefoundation.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fourdestinyourfuturefoundation%2F&is_from_rle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdestinyourfuturefoundation.org
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/our-destiny-your-future-foundation/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ourdestinyourfuturefoundation
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/our-destiny-our-future-foundation-tolleson?osq=our+destiny+our+future+foundation
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@odoff2023?_t=8bql0e7jKYM&_r=1
Image Credits
Kieyana Sutton, Ayo Miller, Brenda M. Gilliam-Miller